Deployable Passenger Step Platform for Low-Floor Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger ingress and egress assistance apparatuses in vehicles with batteries under the floor cause increased step height, inconveniencing ordinary passengers and failing to meet wheelchair transportation safety regulations.
Innovation Solution
A passenger ingress and egress assistance apparatus with a case, moving body, platform, hinge mechanism, and driver, utilizing a chain and motor system to deploy and stow a platform, and a clutch device to lock/unlock the platform, allowing for adjustable deployment and stowage, accommodating various passenger types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the passenger ingress and egress assistance apparatus is stacked on the top surface of the floor to assist passengers with disabilities, then accessibility for passengers with disabilities is improved, but the step height increases causing inconvenience for ordinary passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a movable platform that can dynamically adjust its position between a retracted state (flush with floor for ordinary passengers) and an extended state (providing assistance for passengers with disabilities). The platform is driven by a motorized chain mechanism that enables smooth transitions between these states, allowing the system to adapt to different passenger needs without creating permanent step height issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed to be nested within the apparatus housing when not in use. The movable platform fits inside the cavity of the case, and when retracted, it becomes flush with the floor surface. This nesting arrangement allows the assistance apparatus to be compact during normal operation while still providing full functionality when needed for passengers with disabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the height of the vehicle floor is increased to accommodate the apparatus, then assistance for passengers with disabilities is provided, but compliance with wheelchair transportation safety regulations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains floor height compliance by keeping the platform retracted during normal vehicle operation. The dynamic deployment only occurs when assistance is needed, and even then, the platform extends horizontally rather than vertically, maintaining the required floor height for wheelchair safety while providing assistance functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed case mounted on the floor, a movable platform that extends horizontally, and a chain-driven mechanism. This segmentation allows the platform to provide assistance functionality without increasing the overall floor height, as the assistance function is achieved through horizontal extension rather than vertical elevation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is made movable to assist various passenger types, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform serves multiple functions: it provides step assistance for ordinary passengers, serves as a support surface for passengers with disabilities, and can be positioned to facilitate wheelchair access. The single motorized chain mechanism controls all these functions, making the system versatile without requiring multiple separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the platform, driving mechanism, and control system into a single integrated apparatus. The motor, chain, and platform work as a unified system where one motor drives the chain that moves the platform, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function and reducing overall system complexity despite the versatile capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy ingress and egress for both ordinary passengers and those with disabilities while maintaining compliance with safety regulations, reducing step height and enhancing vehicle accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a motor driving the drive sprocket
Implementation Method 2
a chain connecting the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket
Implementation Method 3
a hinge mechanism configured to pivotally connect the platform to the moving body
Implementation Method 4
a clutch device configured to lock and unlock the bracket assembly to the moving body
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment passenger ingress and egress assistance apparatus includes a case having a cavity defined therein, a moving body configured to move in the cavity of the case in a longitudinal direction of the case, a platform configured to be stowed in and deployed from the cavity of the case, a hinge mechanism configured to pivotally connect the platform to the moving body, and a driver configured to move the moving body.